Ways to conduct yourself at work

What is good and what is not good? What is acceptable and what is downright offensive?

Before you get too comfortable in your office chair, these are the questions you need to find answers to. Every office space demands a definite type of behaviour from its employees, and it would do you good to adhere to these norms. Irrespective of the behaviour laws in your office, here is a list of the general good behaviour tips you ought to stick to.

1. Don’t play loud music

The office is not your personal playground. Do not play loud music during office hours and subject your colleagues to noise. Use headphones. This is a common error most people make and you should avoid it.

2. Don’t yell over the phone

Your work got delayed, your colleague screwed up, you are pissed as hell. Still, don’t shout over the phone in the middle of the office and disturb others. Go out in the corridor or some empty cabin. Yelling is bad by itself, yelling in a room full of people is sin.

3. Mingle with people

Whether you an introvert or extrovert, you need to engage in basic office gossip. Talk to people, walk around, develop camaraderie, and make inane conversations. This is not just polite and good behaviour, but essential if you want to survive in the place. You don’t want to be labelled as that weirdo who does not talk, do you?

4. Do not spread your stuff far and wide

Maintain a fair sense of space and respect that of others. Do not spread your stuff far and wide and let your belongings see every nook and corner of the office. Keep your things organised and make sure they do not come in anyone’s way.

5. Don’t abuse

Abusing will make you look like a douche and your aggression won’t be appreciated. Use humour or sarcasm instead. This will lighten the tense atmosphere and help you get your point across as well as earn you admirers for handling the situation with elan.

6. Do not bitch others out

Engaging in office gossip is normal. We all do it. But do not engage in incessant bitching and backbiting. This will reflect poorly on you in the long run. If you are mad at a colleague then confide in your office friend, do not spread rumours or ill will about him/her throughout the office. In a moment of aggression do not let your anger get the better of you.

7. Do not be a peeping tom

We all feel the urge to peep into the computer screens of our neighbours and see what they are up to. Do this, but do not make a habit out of it. People find it very annoying when others keep looking into their screen to know what they are browsing. You would not appreciate others staring into your screen either, would you?

These are the 7 must-follow rules for good office behaviour. Stick to these and you won’t ever get a bad behaviour complaint registered against you. (Work Life, MensXP.com)